In class we explored the cultural and racial
divisions presented in the novel and discussed how the two concepts are
interrelated.
One way in which these issues are
manifested is through Cooper’s portrayal of literal and metaphorical families. Although
it is eventually revealed that Cora and Alice have different biological mothers
and that Cora has bi-racial roots, the two daughters and Munro are presented as
a “traditional” European family tied together by blood relations. Their separation
and the disruption of their family bond are great tensions throughout the
novel. The intimacy of their relationship is highlighted in the beginning of
Chapter XVI when they are finally reunited. Alice is described as childishly
sitting “upon [her father’s] knee, parting the grey hairs on the forehead of
the old man” and “pressing her ruby lips fondly on his wrinkled brow,” while
Cora observes them with “maternal fondness” (177). This affectionate moment
acts as a temporary resolution in the novel and has the effect of suspending
the plot. The sense of security gained in one another’s presence allows the
family to momentarily forget the dangers they have been exposed to and the
separation they experienced. The daughters, united by a shared father, provide
a stark contrast to the metaphorical families represented by the Native
American tribes. The Hurons and Mohicans are not tied together purely by blood
relations; rather, they comprise larger families united by their red skin tone
and brute language and actions. Interestingly Hawk-eye is not part of either of
these family structures; he shares the skin tone and intuition of the tribal
people but vehemently defends his difference from them and his “whiteness.”
The end of the novel initially
appears to suggest that Cora’s and Uncas’s deaths and the disruption of both
familial structures finally transcend racial and cultural barriers. Even in
mourning, Munro hopes to convey that “time shall not be distant, when we may
assemble around his throne, without distinction of sex, or rank, or colour”
(391). This statement indicates significant progress and improved relations
between Europeans and Native Americans. However, Hawk-eye refuses to translate
this message to the Delawares and the sentiment is forever lost. Furthermore,
when Chingachgook expresses distress at loosing his son and the only other remaining
member of the Mohicans, Hawk-eye can only offer his friendship. In trying to
comfort Chingachgook, Hawk-eye highlights their differences, stating, “the
gifts of our colors may be different…” and “it may be that your blood was
nearer [to Uncas’s] (394). Despite the mentorship Hawk-eye provides Uncas and
the difficulties Hawk-eye and Chingachgook have faced together, Hawk-eye refuses
to fully identify with Chingachgook and embrace him as family. Hawk-eye
prevents true progress in the novel and may represent Cooper’s own belief that
early America is not yet prepared for racial integration.
You make a lot of great points in this post, especially in discussing how familial structures affect both how the characters interact with each other and how the plot plays out. This also touches on the topic of cultural mixing v.s. racial mixing that was brought up in class. I think that Cooper also implies that the idea of "family" varies in different cultures, indicating that racial integration is dependent on how a culture views familial relationships. In this case, because Hawk-eye refuses to fully identify with Chingachgook, he suggests that his view on family is heavily based on blood relations rather than a personal connection and that support for cultural mixing in interracial relationships does not necessarily mean racial mixing as well.
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